In the book "Open" by Andre Agassi, Agassi's relationship with his dad is what Agassi speaks most about. He talks about how much he hates his dad and tennis, yet his dad is the reason he has become the legend he is today. This is contradictory, and the real lesson that comes out of this book, is to pursue what you love.
One way Agassi gets this message across to the reader is by showing his relationship with his dad. His dad forced him to play tennis because he saw the real potential Andre had, but Andre hated tennis. What I find incredibly interesting, is that still to this day, Andre doesn't like tennis. The game that brought him money, fame and glory and that he was at one point the best in the world at, he hates. It shows his character and the independent person he was, but was not allowed to be due to his father's overshadowing and decision to make him pursue a career as a tennis player. Also, you can tell he was unhappy and wanted another life. For example, he rebelled against his school when he was shipped to Bollettieri's academy, he would not listen in school and go against the rules. It shows how unhappy he was. Even if he knew that tennis would be the key to success, he didn't want to go down that road.
All in all, my admiration for Agassi is endless, because as I am still young and play tennis, and know all the frustrations that come with the game, I can't imagine what it would be like to play it everyday, especially when you don't like it. To overcome his hate for tennis, and play because he loves his dad and wants to please his dad is above all the reason he played. And I am still amazed at how one person could hate a game that brought them everything they have.
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